FAQ’s

FAQ’s

When potential clients come to Yossi Schochet they have various questions about his practice and the legal process. Here are some of the most common questions clients have and the answers to them:

Hiring an Attorney

Q: Do I really need a lawyer? Can’t I handle the case on my own?

For minor traffic tickets such as speeding, an attorney is usually unnecessary. For all other criminal cases, self-representation is never a good idea. Every person accused of a crime deserves the right to a fair trial. Without a licensed attorney, this is next to impossible.

Even innocent people can easily be convicted if an attorney isn’t present in the courtroom.

Q: What types of legal services does Yossi offer?

Yossi is exclusively a Criminal Defense Attorney. He defends clients against charges of theft, fraud, DUI, domestic assaults, sex crimes, etc. His services include legal defense for adults and youth.

Q: Where are Yossi’s legal services available?

Yossi is a Toronto area Criminal Defense Attorney. Clients charged with or facing potential criminal charges in Toronto, Milton, Newmarket, Oshawa, Brampton, and various surrounding areas turn to Yossi for his exceptional legal services.

Q: I’ve been charged with a crime. Why should I hire Yossi Schochet?

Clients of Yossi Schochet call upon him for “the best representation” from Toronto’s highest rated Criminal Defense Lawyer. Yossi is a Top 50 rated lawyer in North America. He is experienced in fighting varied accusations of both serious and minor crimes.

Q: What is Yossi’s trial style?

Yossi has a no-nonsense approach to every case. He is clear and well thought-out.

He is assertive and vigorous in the courtroom and this leads to getting the best possible outcome for his clients.

Questions About the Legal Process

Q: I have yet to be charged with a crime but I am a suspect. Do I need legal representation and why?

It is very important to hire an attorney prior to answering police questions regarding a crime. With an attorney present during questioning, the potential suspect will receive necessary advice on how to answer questions. In certain instances, having an attorney present is the difference between never being charged with a crime and facing potential prison time.

Understanding your rights and police power

Q: I’ve been arrested, what is the next step I should take?

The first thing you should do is say nothing to the police. Be careful if you do speak to only use generalities and do NOT allow them to force admission of guilt. After being arrested, contact Yossi Schochet to represent you when questioned. He will take it from there.

Q: I was arrested without a warrant, what can I do about it?

If you were arrested without a warrant, you need to inform Yossi of this so he can look into the matter. In many circumstances, it is unlawful to arrest someone without a warrant. Yossi will look into the matter and, if the arrest was unlawful, he will ensure you are immediately released from custody.

Q: Is a Pre-Trial conference necessary?

Yes. Pre-Trial conferences make the legal process run smoother. They give the defense team an opportunity to hear much of the evidence against its client. In some cases, this is where the parties get together to reach a plea agreement.

Q: The prosecution team has a lot of evidence against me, is it best if I just accept a plea agreement to lessen the sentence?

This depends on the case, and is ultimately up to the individual client. However, Yossi has a proven history of getting a positive outcome for his clients even when the odds of success appear to be slim.

Q: I’ve been accused of a crime, what rights do I have?

You have a right against self-incrimination. What that means is you do NOT have to answer questions asked by police when arrested or questioned. You have the right to say nothing or only answer certain questions. You also have a right to an attorney and a fair trial.

Q: What is the goal of the defense team?

To cast enough of a shadow of doubt in the jury’s mind. A not guilty verdict is often the result of the Crown being unable to prove the accused undoubtedly committed the crime.

Q: Can you walk me through the trial proceedings?

The trial begins with the Crown’s case. They provide their evidence to the jury beginning with opening statements and then calling upon witnesses to take the stand. Following completion of the Crown’s case, the defense team takes over and presents their case, which begins with an opening statement. Once the defense concludes their presentation of evidence, the Crown then has the opportunity to apply to re-open the case and present further evidence or send the case to the jury. If they do apply to re-open the case, it is up to the judge to allow or deny new evidence.

Q: What happens at sentencing?

Generally speaking, sentencing takes place right after an offender has pled guilty or been found guilty after a trial.

Sometimes the judge will not impose a sentence right away, but will instead adjourn the case to a later date for a sentencing hearing. This often happens in more serious cases.